The Major in Mathematics/Physics aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both physics and mathematics. This major is catered especially for students interested in the more theoretical aspects of physics. It covers a wide range of core areas in both disciplines which form the blocks of fundamental knowledge for further specializations, e.g. quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, classical mechanics, electrodynamics, linear algebra, mathematical analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables, differential equations, modern differential geometry, etc. A large selection of elective courses is provided for students to pursue a broad spectrum of professional knowledge in mathematical and theoretical physics. Analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning and innovative ideas are fostered through the effective design of courses and research projects. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through internships, field studies and research projects supervised by experts. With the comprehensive training received, graduates are expected to be well-prepared for further studies and to pursue careers in many fields of science and engineering.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this programme, students should be able to:

PLO 1 :

identify and describe physical systems with a rigorous representation using their professional knowledge
(by means of coursework and tutorial classes in the curriculum)

PLO 2 :

have developed their scientific intuition, abilities and techniques to tackle physical problems with intellectual rigor theoretically
(by means of coursework, tutorial classes and assessments in the curriculum)

PLO 3 :

apply mathematical theory and techniques to analyze physical problems qualitatively and quantitatively, and appraise the related ethical issues
(by means of coursework, tutorial classes and research-based projects in the curriculum)

PLO 4 :

communicate and collaborate with people effectively in scientific issues
(by means of group projects, tutorial sessions and presentation opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 5 :

apply scientific and quantitative methods in tackling problems in research or real-world setting
(by means of projects, directed studies, local and foreign internships attached to universities, research centers, government bodies, NGOs and influential companies)

Impermissible Combination:

Major in MathematicsMajor in PhysicsMinor in Computational & Financial MathematicsMinor in MathematicsMinor in Operations Research & Mathematical ProgrammingMinor in Physics

Required courses (96 credits)

1. Introductory level courses (48 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses: Science Foundation Courses (12 credits)

SCNC1111

Scientific method and reasoning (6)

SCNC1112

Fundamentals of modern science (6)

Disciplinary Core Courses (30 credits)

MATH1013

University mathematics II (6)

MATH2101

Linear algebra I (6)

MATH2211

Multivariable calculus (6)

PHYS1250

Fundamental physics (6)

PHYS2265

Modern physics (6)

Disciplinary Electives (6 credits)

At least 6 credits selected from the following courses:

PHYS1150

Problem solving in physics (6)

PHYS2055

Introduction to relativity (6)

PHYS2150

Methods in physics I (6)

PHYS2155

Methods in physics II (6)

PHYS2250

Introductory mechanics (6)

PHYS2255

Introductory electricity and magnetism (6)

PHYS2260

Heat and waves (6)

2. Advanced level courses (42 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses (36 credits)

MATH3301

Algebra I (6)

MATH3401

Analysis I (6)

MATH4501

Geometry (6)

PHYS3350

Classical mechanics (6)

PHYS3351

Quantum mechanics (6)

PHYS4351

Advanced quantum mechanics (6)

Disciplinary Electives (6 credits)

At least 6 credits of advanced level Mathematics or Physics courses (MATH3XXX or MATH4XXX or MATH7XXX or PHYS3XXX or PHYS4XXX or PHYS7XXX level), subject to prerequisite requirements. The current list of courses include courses in List A and those courses not selected to fulfill the capstone requirement, but excluding MATH4966 Mathematics Internship.

1. Students are strongly advised to consult departmental course selection advisors for course and career planning before selecting the courses.

2. Double-counting of courses up to a maximum of 24 credits is permissible when a student with a science major opts to undertake a second major in science. The double-counted courses must include SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning (6 credits) and SCNC1112 Fundamentals of modern science (6 credits). Additional credits to be double-counted must be for courses required ('disciplinary core') by both majors. For cases with 24 or less double-counted credits, the student must make up an equivalent number of credits by taking other courses offered by any Faculty.

3. If more than 24 credits (including SCNC1111 & SCNC1112) are listed as required courses ("disciplinary core") in both the first and second majors undertaken by a student, the student must make up the number of credits above the 24 permissible by taking replacement course(s) (disciplinary electives) in the second major. Double counting of credits is not permissible for major-minor or double-minors combinations. For details, please refer to "Students taking double Majors, Major-Minor or double Minors with overlapping course requirements" in the BSc syllabuses.

4. Students are not required to take Capstone if this Science major is taken as a second major on the condition that the capstone experience in the first major requires the integration or application of knowledge from both major disciplines. If this is approved, a 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the second major must be taken to fulfill the credit requirement of the capstone experience.

5. Capstone requirement for BEd&BSc degree students is different. Students are required to take an additional 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the major to replace the capstone requirement of this Major. Students should consult the Faculty of Education for details.

6. (a) Students must have level 3 or above in HKDSE Physics or HKDSE Combined Science with Physics component or equivalent to take this major. Students who do not fufill this requirement are advised to take PHYS1240 Physics by inquiry; and(b) Students must have level 2 or above in HKDSE Extended Module 1 or 2 of Mathematics or equivalent to take this major. Students who do not fufill this requirement are advised to take MATH1011 University mathematics I.

7. Students taking the Mathematics related major/minor should check the exemption and replacement arrangement for the introductory level Disciplinary Core Mathematics courses at http://www.scifac.hku.hk/ug/current/bsc/curriculum/overlapping-course-req.

Remarks:

Important! Ultimate responsibility rests with students to ensure that the required pre-requisites and co-requisite of selected courses are fulfilled. Students must take and pass all required courses in the
selected primary science major
in order to satisfy the degree graduation requirements.